General Construction
General questions about construction, home improvement, and renovations
What should i look for when buying a fixer-upper in rural New Brunswick where there's no municipal building inspection?
Buying a fixer-upper in rural New Brunswick requires extra diligence since you won't have municipal building inspectors catching issues during your re...
Should I renovate my house before putting it on the market in Fredericton?
Whether to renovate before selling your Fredericton home depends on your property's condition, the local market, and your timeline — but strategic upd...
What should I expect to pay for a heat pump installation in New Brunswick?
Heat pump installations in New Brunswick typically range from $4,500-$8,000 for a single-zone mini-split system, $8,000-$15,000 for a multi-zone syste...
What kind of vapor barrier do I need in my walls for New Brunswick's climate?
For New Brunswick's climate, you need a Class I vapor barrier (polyethylene sheeting) on the warm side of your insulation, which means on the interior...
What type of exterior paint handles New Brunswick's salt air and temperature swings?
Acrylic latex paint with high-quality resin is your best defense against New Brunswick's harsh coastal conditions and extreme temperature swings. Look...
Should I go with a cold climate heat pump or stick with oil heat in NB?
Cold climate heat pumps are the clear winner for most New Brunswick homes, offering significant savings and environmental benefits over oil heating. W...
Are there any grants for building rental housing in New Brunswick?
Yes, New Brunswick offers several grant and financing programs specifically for rental housing development, though availability and funding levels cha...
Why do my floors creak more after my renovation than before?
Creaky floors after renovation are actually quite common and usually indicate that something shifted during the work or new materials are settling int...
What's the best way to plan renovations for a heritage home in Saint John?
Heritage homes in Saint John require careful planning that balances preservation with modern functionality. Start by determining if your property is d...
What's the best way to plan a renovation around New Brunswick's harsh winters?
Winter planning is absolutely critical for New Brunswick renovations — our 5-month construction window (May through September) means timing decisions...
What are typical plumber rates per hour in Greater Moncton?
Plumbing rates in Greater Moncton typically range from $85-$120 per hour for licensed journeyman plumbers, with master plumbers charging $100-$140 per...
What does a proper renovation contract look like in New Brunswick?
A proper renovation contract in New Brunswick should be a detailed, written agreement that protects both you and your contractor while ensuring compli...
What should I know about vermiculite insulation before renovating an older New Brunswick home?
Vermiculite insulation in older New Brunswick homes requires extreme caution — it may contain asbestos and should never be disturbed without professio...
What type of concrete sealer works best for driveways that get road salt in New Brunswick?
For New Brunswick driveways exposed to road salt, penetrating silane/siloxane sealers are your best defense against freeze-thaw damage and salt penetr...
How much do electricians charge in New Brunswick compared to Ontario?
Electricians in New Brunswick typically charge 15-25% less than Ontario rates, reflecting the province's lower cost of living and different market con...